30 Things That Will Make You a Stronger Leader

A look back at the best podcasts, best business books, best free online courses, best leadership blogs and everything else that helped shape leaders in 2018.

Leadership is far from an inherited behavior; it’s a quality born from a thirst for knowledge. And in 2018, there was no shortage of outlets for leaders to immerse themselves.

From innovative books to the most thought-provoking podcasts, we’re breaking down the “best of the best” when it comes to what leaders read, watched, and listened to in 2018. These tools will help you experience remarkable growth as you enter this next chapter.

Pro Tip: Bookmark this page ☝️

Best Free Online Courses of 2018

Career progression is no longer expensive. Today, it can be free. Use these free online courses to become a master of your domain, explore alternative career paths, or simply spark inspiration.

Flexible learning on your schedule. Access more than 1,900 online courses from 100+ leading institutions including Harvard, MIT, Microsoft, and more. Courses are free to audit; paid certification is available.

Best Podcasts of 2018

Podcasts have gone mainstream; in fact, Apple Podcasts passed 50 billion listenersin 2018. These intimate sessions bring the brightest minds along for your commute, cardio session, or coveted downtime. Here are the best podcasts that shaped us into stronger leaders in 2018.

Join Sam Harris—neuroscientist, philosopher, and best-selling author—as he explores some of the most important questions about the human mind, society, and current events. (Soon to be the Making Sense podcast).

Sit down with executives, academics, futurists, technologists, and others to learn how to successfully navigate the shifting labor market and technologic-whirlwind the workforce is collectively experiencing.

Join Joe Mechlinski, New York Times bestselling author and CEO of SHIFT, and today’s top icons and influencers to talk leadership, movement starting, health and wellbeing, politics, productivity and more.

Bonus: Best of Shift Happens 2018With Season 2 coming soon, let’s look back at Shift Happen’s most downloaded podcasts.

Finite games are the familiar contests of everyday life; they are played in order to be won, which is when they end. But infinite games are more mysterious. Their object is not winning, but ensuring the continuation of play.3.Understanding Understanding by Richard Saul Wurman

Want to better unpack the simple, yet complex act of truly “understanding” an idea? There’s few better to ask than the creator of TED.

This 2x bestseller is filled with actionable strategies and inspiring true stories to motivates readers to seek more fulfilling opportunities, reconnect with passions, and recognize their power to make a difference.

Best Leadership Blogs of 2018

This year, a clear theme emerged in our favorite sources for news and insights: the future. Use these top blogs to embrace the innovation and impact taking place this very moment (and use these teachings to propel your organization into the future of work).

Bonus: We’re given away a copy of the SHIFT Declarations + Manifestos Vol 2. to the first three readers that email team@shiftthework.com. This limited edition book is derived from the SHIFT blog and serves as a guiding light for business leaders seeking their most informed, empowered selves.

Best Self-Care Tools of 2018

At SHIFT, we like to say, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” As leaders for your company, employees, and community — your mental and physical wellbeing must be a priority. Use these top self-care products and tools to show up as your best self each day.

Reflection is a critical aspect of your mental well-being. While the concept of writing a virtual letter to yourself may (initially) feel frivolous, we’ve found it has the power to spark purposeful mental check-ins.

A psychology-backed journal that promises to be the best way to start your day.

Bonus: Discover food that fuels you with an introduction to KETO and clean eating with Dr. Stephanie Estima on the Shift Happens podcast.

Looking to What’s Ahead

With the tools to shape us into the leaders we aspire to be, we can move into 2019 more present, innovative, and driven than ever before. Progress is an everyday battle. We must always be open to learning, to growing, to defying the limits.

To keep this momentum going, the team at SHIFT remains steadfast and dedicated to delivering remarkable experiences each day. We’re helping our clients reawaken the dreary-eyed American workforce and re-inspire their employees.

Because when employees are engaged at work, they arrive home happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. This is the spark we believe business can ignite to create meaningful change in the world.

But to get there, we must always be students to the world around us.

What Skills Do You Need to Build in 2019?

SHIFT is on a mission to deliver the most potent, purposeful leadership development tools possible — but we need your help. Take this 30-second survey to share what skills/topics you need to study to be a successful leader in 2019. Your answers will help us create more impactful training webinars in 2019.